Nordqvist leads all the way in Thailand

Sweden’s Anna Nordqvist survived an early scare to win her third LPGA Tour event but her first since 2009 at the Honda LPGA Thailand in Chonburi.

Nordqvist, a member of the winning Swedish 2008 Espirito Santo team in Adelaide, defeated world number one, Inbee Park, who was playing her first event of the year, by two shots with Scotland’s Catriona Matthew two shots further back.

Michelle Wie finished one shot behind in 4th position which apart from a similar finish in Korea in October was her best finish in an LPGA Tour event since her runner-up at the 2011 Canadian Open.

Nordqvist led by four into the final round and an early birdie apparently gave her a cushion before a double at the 5th gave her chasers at least some hope. Not for long unfortunately as she birdied the 7th hole and her opening three holes of the back nine to establish a lead that even Park could not catch.

World number two Stacy Lewis and an improving Yani Tseng were in a large group in 5th position.

Of the three Australasians in the field, Karrie Webb and Lydia Ko were 19th and Katherine Kirk 45th.

The LPGA Tour now moves south to Singapore

About the Author: Bruce Young

A multi-award winning golf journalist, Bruce's extensive knowledge of the game comes from several years caddying the tournament circuits of the world, marketing a successful golf course design company and as one of Australia's leading golf journalists and commentators.